Dear Editor,
Nine weeks ago Jerry McNerney, Democratic candidate for Congress, submitted a survey to the non-partisan group Project Vote Smart. Since then, he changed 55 of the 147 questions, or 37 percent of his positions. This would be humorous, if it wasn’t so critical.
McNerney, an East Bay liberal, initially supported higher taxes, establishing a universal health care system, and opposes a constitutional amendment defining marriage to be between a man and a woman, among others. A substantial percentage of our voters may disagree with him, but one could respect if he actually stood his ground for what he believes in. The excuses he offered for his wide spread changes include the need to “clarify” and his desire to “be a little more careful,” but he “stands by his priorities,” although he deleted them from the survey.
A reasonable person might wonder if McNerney changed his positions to appeal to more conservative voters, if he’s looking for politically correct positions, if he thinks the voters are clueless as to his actions or if his new supporters, namely Pete McCloskey and Tom Benigno, failed candidates in the recent primary, are now guiding his campaign?
Voters in this district are intelligent and informed.
We appreciate honesty and consistency in the people we elect to represent us. Changing positions on so many issues is indicative of someone who doesn’t have a concrete platform and can be expected to sway when the political winds blow.
We need and deserve a grounded representative in Congress who is experienced, represents the concerns of all their constituents, and can be counted on not to “flip-flop” on the issues of the day.
Mr. McNerney is a wind consultant, and lately, he’s blowing hot air.
Benjamin Rose, Tracy
